Holloman part of World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Siuta B. Ika
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Children of Team Holloman joined thousands of other children in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson, a lesson taught simultaneously around the world, at the base aquatic center June 14.

The event, which aimed to break the Guinness World Record of 3,971 participants set by last year's inaugural WLSL, was originally created to promote drowning prevention through education.

"The idea behind the event is great, all children should learn how to swim -- it could save their life some day," said Katherine Peel, 49th Force Support Squadron aquatics director. "There are reports that if kids don't learn to swim by the third grade, they usually are not going to learn, so that's what we are trying to promote."

Instructors of the event followed a detailed lesson plan which taught children general water safety awareness, safe entry into water, floating and basic arm strokes.

Instructors all over the world followed the same lesson plan and executed the lessons at the same time, explained Ms. Peel.

"The lesson started at 9 a.m. here, but on the East coast it started at 11 a.m. and so on for the different locations that participated," she said. "Part of being counted for the certification for the Guinness World Record is that all locations teach the same lesson at the same time."

According to the WLSL's official web site, hundreds of aquatic facilities from across the U.S. to locations as far reaching as Zambia, Lebanon, Dubai and South Korea registered to participate in the event. This year's event also marked Holloman's first time participating.

"I think it went really well. The kids had a good time and the instructors did good for this being our first time," said Ms. Peel. "It's exciting to take part in an event like this. Also, we are the only (Air Combat Command) base that took part and one of two facilities in New Mexico that took part."

Kellen Buss Jr., 4, son of Staff Sgt. Shannon Buss, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, summed up his experience of the WLSL.

"I learned a lot, I am happy I came and I had a lot of fun today," he said.

For more information about the WLSL, contact Ms. Peel at 575-572-2389.